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Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Glitzy and exotic Dubai is the vacation hotspot of the United Arab Emirates. From a desert outpost, the city of shopping malls and high-rises has transformed itself into destination du-jour, where people from all over the world flock for some family fun, sunshine and sales bargains. Dubai has gained fame for its unique sightseeing attractions and shopping malls the come with indoor ski slopes and mammoth aquariums. Apart from the glamourous and modern buildings, there are some cultural highlights you can also witness. When you plan holidays and trips in Dubai, you have to see some top-rated tourist attractions that are outlined below:

Burj Khalifa

This is the tallest building in the world, which stands about 829.8m high. You should definitely go to the observation deck on the 124th floor of the building as it offers views of the city’s skyline that are downright staggering. The observation deck is quite slick and includes a high-speed elevator and a multi-media presentation about the city and the building. You can enjoy 360 degree views across the skyscrapers to the ocean on one side and desert on the other. Because of the renowned city-light panoramas, night-time visits are highly popular.

Dubai Museum

Housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort is the Dubai Museum. The walls of the fort, which was built in 1787 for defending Dubai Creek, are made from traditional coral-blocks and are joined with lime. Plaster, mud and palm fronts have been used to construct the roof and wooden poles called ‘handels’ support the upper floor. There is a fascinating exhibition of old maps at the entrance, which highlight the expansion of Emirates and Dubai after the oil boom. There is a palm-leaf house and traditional boats in the courtyard. Musical instruments and weaponry are on the left and right hall respectively.

Dubai Aquarium

This is one of the top tourist attractions in the city where about 140 species of sea life is housed in a huge suspended tank on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. Not only can you see the Aquarium through the mall, you can also walk through the tunnels if you enter the Underwater Zoo.

Dubai Mall

The city’s premier mall, it provides entrance to both the Dubai Aquarium and Burj Khalifa. If you are looking for more entertainment avenues, it has a cinema complex, gaming zone and ice-skating rink. The eating and shopping is endless and there are lots of special events such as fashion shows and live music in the mall.

Burj al-Arab

This is the tallest hotel in the world, which stands about 321m high and is located on its own island on the city’s coastline. The design of Burj al-Arab was created to mimic a dhow sail and the hotel’s exterior is lit up by a colored lighting show. It is one of the most expensive hotels worldwide as one night’s stay can cost about $15,000.

Jumeirah Beach

The number one beach destination for tourists in Dubai is Jumeirah Beach. All along the length of this strip of sandy white bliss, there are numerous hotels and it is one of the most popular staying spots for tourists. There are excellent facilities offered on the beach ranging from sun loungers, water-sport operators that offer jet skiing and also restaurants.

Mall of Emirates

One of the most famous and spectacular malls of the city is the Mall of Emirates, which has an indoor ski-slope inside called Ski Dubai. It has a penguin enclosure and chairlifts, which are at a constant -4 degree Celsius. There is also a family entertainment center and cinema complex, along with plenty of rides. There are boundless shopping opportunities as well as eating options.